Upverter Launches Cloud-Based CAD for Engineering Hardware Design

Running a graphical and computational piece of software in an Internet browser window seemed unachievable not too many years ago. With its 3D megahit Quake III, the video game pioneer id Software, of Doom and Wolfenstien fame, showed the world that a game could be run from any browser (under the name Quake Live). The game runs as if it is installed at the local machine, and countless games have followed suit.

This innovation is finally leaking into the application and work side of software. With cloud computing becoming more popular over the last few years, various companies are capitalizing on the medium by offering everything from data storage to mobile OS services. The Canadian engineering startup Upverter is looking to garner favor with the hardware engineering community by offering a GitHub-like (community software repository) cloud-based CAD platform to design, prototype, and test projects from conception to manufacturing.

Upverter's recently released cloud-based electrical engineering hardware or EDA (electronic design automation) software is actually a collection of updated tools (from the previous iteration of Upverter) for rapid design, prototyping, and manufacturing of hardware. It includes the schematic design ECAD (2D space only) for PCB layout and footprint generation, which can be shared and collaborated on in real-time. A simulation tool allows design rule checking/debugging and verification (a pay-as-you-go service), which can be done for simultaneous projects at the same time.

Despite the novelty of being cloud-based, an all-in-one package that takes the user from concept to production is well overdue.

PCB produced from Upverter's full assembly services.(Source: Upverter)

The new version of Upverter simplifies and quickens the process of prototyping projects; users can just go to the software dashboard's order button. The software tracks your design through the development process and displays a list of components that are needed (along with prices), which can be ordered directly through Upverter. Any parts not listed can be reconciled through the tool, which displays an alternative list of parts that will work for your project. After all the components are chosen, you can select how much lead time you need for the prototype, as well as a host of other options. Next you can have Upverter assemble and test the project for you, or you can do it yourself.

Upverter 2.0 has been in development for two-and-a-half years. Its creators say the idea behind Upverter is to give engineers a truly open-source platform with everything needed to design and build projects without limitations. People can use Upverter for hardware layout, design, and manufacturing, while the software can be coded through GitHub's community-based development site. This lets project developers collaborate with one another and share ideas over a broad spectrum of product development in a cloud-based environment.

Even better, Upverter is free to use; you just create a profile and then join an online community. Be warned: Using the free version negates any privacy you may want for your projects, since they are open for anyone to study or use. Those who prefer privacy can pay a $7 monthly fee (for the Awesome package), which also gets you unlimited storage. Even the $99 price for the Professional package, which is geared toward businesses, should give little reason to pause. After playing some Quake Live, open up a second tab, and design your first PCB with Upverter.

It is a good idea, Cabe. It's especially good given the mammoth shift to mobile devices. The mobile device wouldn't need huge processing capabilities. It would just need to be a terminal like the old days when the terminal accessed mainframes.

I hate to be that guy who says, "I came up with that idea years ago." But, I did, about 10 years ago. I was planning on developing the idea or concept for my master's degree. However, I have put the concept on the back burner for a while now. Aside from my initial designs and work on a cloudOS, I have not found anyone else working on the idea. I wouldn't be surprised if it will happen in the near future by countless people.

It is an extension of the remote terminal concept. So, it doesn't take a genius to give it a shot again.

I wouldn't even be mad if I see someone come out with it, before I return to the concept myself. Progress is more important than accolades.

Do you see the irony of the 30 year technology cycle-? In 1980, massive room-sized computer "Main-Frames" functioned as the CPU (central processing, literally). If you had a "Computer" you really had only a "Computer-Terminal". I did have one in my dorm room and it was really just a dumb terminal connected via a modem. No problem in guaranteeing that you were always running the latest of everything. No OS to load. No Apps to load. Oddly similar to today's cutting edge practices of Cloud Computing. Ironically funny, isn't it-?

Now let's move the OS to the cloud as well. TransOS from the University of Beijing has shown that it is possible. If the bandwidth is there, computing/graphical power will be constantly upgraded, staying current will be a thought of the past. Like Upverter, everything in one spot.

You can't beat free for a good deal on this cloud software. Even the private versions are quite inexpensive. The collaborative aspects are good as well. The cloud approach to software continues to offer good deals.

Virtual Reality (VR) headsets are getting ready to explode onto the market and it appears all the heavy tech companies are trying to out-develop one another with better features than their competition. Fledgling start-up Vrvana has joined the fray.

A Tokyo company, Miraisens Inc., has unveiled a device that allows users to move virtual 3D objects around and "feel" them via a vibration sensor. The device has many applications within the gaming, medical, and 3D-printing industries.

While every company might have their own solution for PLM, Aras Innovator 10 intends to make PLM easier for all company sizes through its customization. The program is also not resource intensive, which allows it to be appropriated for any use. Some have even linked it to the Raspberry Pi.

solidThinking updated its Inspire program with a multitude of features to expedite the conception and prototype process. The latest version lets users blend design with engineering and manufacturing constraints to produce the cheapest, most efficient design before production.

Focus on Fundamentals consists of 45-minute on-line classes that cover a host of technologies. You learn without leaving the comfort of your desk. All classes are taught by subject-matter experts and all are archived. So if you can't attend live, attend at your convenience.